How To Taper Off Alcohol Risks of Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey

On top of this, quitting immediately — or “cold turkey” as many users and professionals call it — can be dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms are generally uncomfortable to deal with, but they can be fatal. To avoid or reduce the impact of the withdrawal symptoms, people struggling with alcohol may choose to progressively taper off alcohol rather than quit abruptly.

How to Wean Yourself Off Alcohol Safely: Saying Goodbye to Alcohol

Alcohol depresses your nervous system2, so your body creates more receptors for neurotransmitters, or messengers, to stimulate the nervous system. Eating well and ensuring you are staying hydrated can stop dehydration and some of the nutrient deficiencies that come from prolonged alcohol use and withdrawal. “Using a medication such as naltrexone increases the overall chances that people can cut down or quit,” Lee said. Generally, light to moderate drinkers should plan to taper for a week or more. Start by estimating how much you drink on a daily basis—and be honest with yourself. It can help to make use of standard drink measurements, as mentioned above.

Tapering is also a strategy used by people with a substance or alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, improper tapering could lead to relapse, overdose, and severe health consequences. The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Setting SMART Goals

You should also throw away any alcoholic drinks at home and avoid situations that might cause you to drink, such as bars and parties. Making alcohol difficult to access can help you avoid temptation and increase the chances of a successful detox. Have you ever been out to dinner and the first person to order gets an espresso martini and then suddenly everyone else at the table orders an espresso martini? That’s because drinking can also be about sharing an experience, says Sheinbaum. Ordering a drink upon arrival to your destination might feel like an icebreaker or a way to ease yourself into a social situation, and it often happens out of habit. By setting a goal to wait 30 minutes before you order your first glass of rosé, you can learn to tolerate any discomfort—and discover that you don’t need the alcohol in the first place.

  • Discover why waiting for treatment is always a mistake; timely care can save lives and improve health outcomes.
  • Restricting or eliminating your alcohol consumption for a brief period of time could help mitigate any complications with your mental health.
  • As you celebrate each success, remember to focus on the myriad benefits of sobriety, such as improved relationships, better health, and enhanced energy levels.
  • “Many people still want to enjoy socializing but are mindful of wanting to average one to two drinks per day.
  • Explore the profound effects of drug use during pregnancy, from fetal impact to long-term consequences.

Improved mental clarity, energy levels, and sleep quality were also noted. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. Sitting and talking with others who share your struggle can help you feel supported. Local groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can give you the moral support and strength you need. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

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How Alcohol Addiction Is Like an Abusive Relationship

Abstinence, or total and lifelong avoidance of alcohol, is the best treatment for those who have gone through alcohol withdrawal. These programs offer more flexibility than residential rehab, while still supporting a healthy lifestyle for people in recovery. Sober living homes provide a comfortable, safe place for you to focus on your healing.

how to ween yourself off alcohol

Key Indicators of Quality Drug Rehab Centers

Serious symptoms caused by delirium tremens include hallucination and seizure. You should start by determining how much alcohol you drink per day in terms of standard drinks. This can sometimes cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, and these symptoms can make it hard to stick with your recovery plan. Most people experience the most severe symptoms from about 36–72 hours after stopping drinking. A strong community can go a long way to helping cut down on alcohol use. If you are serious about mindful drinking, ask your friends, family, or other trusted member of your community to help you cut back.

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“Having people who are going to do it with you or who are going to check in on you to see if you need support around that new choice I think is very, very critical,” says Carr. Taking a couple of shots, for example, might be the same amount of alcohol as a few beers, but because of how quickly you’re consuming it, it can do a lot more damage to your liver. Same goes for a straight-up cocktail versus a beverage like a spritz or a mixed drink, which has a lower alcohol by volume, or ABV.

How to Wean Yourself Off Alcohol Safely

Explore if you can become addicted to anxiety medication, uncover their risks, and safer alternatives. Discover the difference between MAT and OTP in addiction treatment and find the best path for recovery. Discover why the Sober House Rules: What You Should Know Before Moving In risk for substance use is higher in military kids and learn effective prevention strategies. Explore the hidden risks of aspirin and alcohol interaction, from side effects to medication efficacy. Discover the outcomes of MAT for addiction treatment and the path to an opioid-free life in Kansas.

After finishing a drink, take a 20-minute break before having another. This pause reduces the urge to binge, important for contexts like college settings, where the pressure to drink can be intense. An awareness of such habits and triggers not only supports moderation but enhances overall well-being. Keeping a drink diary is a powerful tool for anyone looking to reduce their alcohol consumption.

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting an alcohol tapering plan. With tapering, you start slowly to minimize the chances of severe withdrawal and relapse, avoiding the shock quitting cold turkey can cause. Alcohol tapering should be personalized, based on how much and the length of time someone has been drinking. Choosing to taper off https://yourhealthmagazine.net/article/addiction/sober-houses-rules-that-you-should-follow/ alcohol is an admirable decision and a step in the right direction. As with many self-detox methods, the risks and rewards go hand in hand when attempting to overcome an alcohol substance use disorder. But, with a little prior knowledge on how to taper off alcohol, adequate planning and professional consultation from a healthcare provider, it can certainly be done.